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Engine AC Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter flanaganjohn
  • Start date Start date May 29, 2020
F

flanaganjohn

Member
May 29, 2020
6
5
13
New York
May 29, 2020
#1
  • May 29, 2020
  • #1
Good afternoon all, I recently put a whole new AC system in my 1990 Ford mustang 5.0. I did a reseal to my 6p148 and replaced all the seals. I got a new condenser, all lines new, new evap and clutch. I vacuumed it down held its charge and charged it up. It calls for 2lbs and 2 oz of R12 and converting to R134a i times that by .80 and ended up putting in about 2.25 cans. AC vents blow nice and cold. however my low side pressure is very high. At around 40-45 psi.The most they will come down when revving is 30 psi. High side seems fine at 150. In NY today temps were about 70-75. My issue is that i can't even get the low pressure switch to turn off the compressor. Im leaning toward the compressor being worn out but I wanted to ask some others what they thought. I purged all the lines prior, vacuumed for one hour, have the correct 8oz of POE in the system. Thank you all for your input!
 

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands
SN Certified Technician
Mar 2, 2015
6,945
5,816
213
May 30, 2020
#2
  • May 30, 2020
  • #2
Your readings are right around where they should be for 75 degrees. If the car had been running with heat in the radiator the low pressure reading may raise a little.



A bad compressor will usually make the pressure needle shake.
 
Reactions: jrichker and General karthief

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,158
17,850
224
Massachusetts
May 30, 2020
#3
  • May 30, 2020
  • #3
Low pressure switch is set for 25psi for r12. With r134a, you actually want it down to around 18-21psi.

Turning the adjustment screw counter clockwise will decrease the pressure. 1/4 turn is approx 1 psi so you want to go counter clockwise 1 to 1 3/4 turns
 
F

flanaganjohn

Member
May 29, 2020
6
5
13
New York
Jun 2, 2020
#4
  • Jun 2, 2020
  • #4
I did screw the low pressure switch prior, I just can't get the low pressure to drop below 30 even when revving it up at like 3500-4000rpm. does that mean the compressor can't keep up and is worn out? Thank you!
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,158
17,850
224
Massachusetts
Jun 2, 2020
#5
  • Jun 2, 2020
  • #5
What's the concern though? Low pressure switch is designed to cut out if the pressure drops too low due to low refrigerant in the system. If your system is properly charged, this shouldn't happen.

With RPM, you'll get a larger pressure drop across the orifice, so the low side will drop and the high side will rise slightly, but as long as your charge is ok you won't get down to 20psi and trip the low pressure switch.

I agree with above post that 35-40psi/150-170psi is where you want to be at 75 degrees.
 
F

flanaganjohn

Member
May 29, 2020
6
5
13
New York
Jun 2, 2020
#6
  • Jun 2, 2020
  • #6
I was always under the impression you did not want the compressor to run continuously? Thank you guys for all the help much appreciated!
 
F

flanaganjohn

Member
May 29, 2020
6
5
13
New York
Jun 3, 2020
#7
  • Jun 3, 2020
  • #7
Also is the low pressure cut out for safety or efficiency? Thank you!
 
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